As Emma's party engaged in combat against large, baboon-like Monsters within the depths of Isthmia Great Forest, a different scene could now be seen taking place back toward Liberl.
To be specific, Grancel City's Bracer Guild. It was getting rather busy there. It was bustling with activity on its second floor. Right now, Scherazard could be seen laying down some tarot cards at her own leisure. Near her was a second table with a mountain of books piled on top. Deep within that sat Estelle with a mixture of emotion in her eyes. Confusion, annoyance, tiredness. But above all, she seemed like she was about to cry. Somehow, she had the skill to twirl a pencil over her lips while a book was open before her.
At that moment, Joshua came out from another area of the second floor where large book stands could be seen, only to hold another book in his hands. He then walked toward the table Estelle was at, and placed the book he was holding near the large pile of stacked books. Seeing Joshua do this, Estelle frowned, which caused the pencil she was twirling around over her lips to drop down onto some papers she had next to the open book in front of her, likely notes she was attempting to take.
"That should do it.", Joshua said, keeping a nonchalant look in his eyes.
"Oh Aidios above, do we seriously need to learn all this crap? This is like, way too much. My brain is already frying, Joshua...!", Estelle complained, before grabbing onto another book nearby. One after another, she began to read their titles. "Liberl's Geography for Dummies", "An Inside Look in the Heart of a Monster Swarm", "What Not To Do If You Happen To Find Yourself in a Restricted Military Zone...", Estelle just blinked her eyes at the last one. "Why do I get the feeling that this last book is targeting me specifically!?"
The mixture of emotion she previously felt all changed to that of anger. Hearing this, Joshua sighed.
"That's because both Schera and I noticed that you have a tendency to wander off on your own back when we were training in the sewers. You wanted to go off the beaten path every chance you had. If it weren't for Schera's constant reminders, we'd be in a world of hurt right now.", Joshua retorted. "I mean, it's not like your sense of direction is bad, but I am not sure how well you'd find yourself if you were, in fact, placed in such a situation."
"Joshua's a hundred-percent right on this, Estelle. I am still hesitant on sending you out on your own while you're like this. Thankfully, Joshua has a keen eye. He knows how to keep you in check. But if the two of you become Junior Bracers, there will be times where you are forced to act alone. And besides.", Scherazard responded, taking a moment to look at the two. "While there has been growing uncertainty within the Bracer Guild and the Royal Army, we still do joint operations on occasion. And above all, we serve as peacemakers to ensure our people's safety."
"I understand the point you two are trying to make. I really do. But seriously...", Estelle said, and sighed after taking another look at the large pile of books before her. "But do we really need to learn all of this?"
"If you aren't fully ready by the time you take your Bracer Exam, it will be your own fault, Estelle. Being a Bracer isn't all about hunting Monsters.", Joshua responded, only to hear another groan escape from Estelle's mouth. As for Scherazard, she giggled while continuing her ongoing fortune telling. The end of S1199 was approaching. Sky's prologue begins March of S1202. So that meant Estelle and Joshua had around the same time Naoto plans tackle the Vermillion Trials. Meaning, around twenty-five months.
Except, this time around, Estelle and Joshua weren't the only two looking to become a Junior Bracer.
Further toward the outside of the Bracer Guild stood a violet-haired girl, donning the look she usually wears during Cold Steel III. A pink shir with a blue scarf wrapped around her neck. A white-clad belt could be seen around her waist. Finishing the look were some dark blue pants. Normally, she often likes to wear her iconic black-leather clothing, a full-blown biker suit, but she figured that would be out of place. Instead, the girl decided she would wear something more informal. This wasn't her first rodeo either. She had already traveled around some of Zemuria with Kilika, and learned Taito along the way.
And now, the girl's current destination was present before her. She was, of course, Angelica Rogner. She presently had a smile on her face.
"With Naoto out of the scene for now and Miss Jayna learning the ropes of how our daily life is handled back at the castle, I can now shift my attention to what I want to do from here on. I heard Kilika also recently got promoted in another branch too...", Angelica uttered. She raised her head, and spotted the Bracer Guild emblem on the front of the building. While it was a little chaotic when Naoto left, things had settled enough, allowing more free time now. Angelica knew Naoto's hidden itinerary, with Legram being the first stop to train. And now, Angelica had her own schedule to follow.
It didn't take long for Angelica to be greeted by two figures who approached her from further in the South Block.
"Hmm, well isn't this a new face?", One of the two figures said, revealing themselves to be an aged man.
"Way to state the obvious, old man. Still, what brings ya to the Bracer Guild lady?", The second figure said, speaking in a rather rough tone. He had fiery, red hair and was wearing a large broadsword over his back, carrying it around with ease. The moment Angelica saw these two, her eyes shot up as they landed on the aged man.
"Is that you, Cassius?", Angelica spoke back, obviously surprised to see him out of the blue like this. For some reason, Cassius felt a familiar feeling after spending a moment to look at Angelica.
"Now this is a surprise. Aren't you one of the girls His Royal Highness has taken a fancy to? I've seen you around the castle a few times. Miss Angelica, right?", The man said. He was, of course, Cassius Bright. The one and only. Next to him was his traveling companion, Agate Crosner.
"That's right. It is nice to see you again, Cassius.", Angelica said, only to turn around and look at the front of the building again. "And to explain why I am here, I've been interested in this place for quite some time now. Becoming a Bracer, that is."
"Hah?", Agate responded, becoming surprised. "You're lookin' to join us and become a Bracer?"
"I sure am.", Angelica happily said.
"Well you definitely came to the right place, Miss Angelica.", Cassius said with a nod. "And as to why I'm here, I'm just showing Agate the ropes so he can take care of business at the Grancel branch for the foreseeable future. I've heard the full report from Elnan too. Something didn't happen a second time, did it?"
"Oh you needn't worry about that, Cassius. I'm here of my own free will. It's quite the opposite back at Grancel Castle. Considering it's you, you likely know what went down. I can't exactly go into the specifics, but most of us have gone our separate ways.", Angelica explained, assuring Cassius that no trouble was brewing.
"And so, that brings you to our place. I can see the pieces falling in line. Thanks for clearing that up.", Cassius responded. "If you really do have interest in becoming a Bracer, we have particular protocols we follow. I'm also set to return to Rolent soon with Estelle and Joshua, so if you're looking to get acquainted with them better, now's a perfect time."
"That's good to hear. We'll see how things go.", Angelica happily said. "It's not like the Bracer business is completely foreign to me. Perhaps you're familiar with one of my long-term acquaintances. Does the Flying Swallow ring a bell?"
Agate became surprised a second time hearing that name.
"You know Kilika? I hear she got transferred to Zeiss and is now workin' there.", Agate mused, taking another glance at Angelica. It prompted him to observe her present stature. It felt familiar. "Now that I think about it, your stance looks similar to hers."
"You've a keen eye for that, Mr. Crosner.", Angelica responded. "You see, Kilika just so happens to be my teacher. Learned Taito from her while we traveled around the continent. That is, until she decided to return to Liberl to pick up her Bracer duties.", Angelica explained.
"Gotcha. Kilika did say she did have a travel companion, turns out that was you. And don't call me by my surname. That's like, way too formal. Just call me Agate like everyone else does.", Agate said, introducing himself to Angelica. "And this is me talkin' about her before she went off to Zeiss. Haven't personally visited the place yet."
"Indeed. The Flying Swallow is indeed quite well-known amongst us Bracers, and is rather proficient in her work. Any friend of hers is a friend of ours. The Bracer Guild would definitely welcome you, Miss Angelica, if you are anything you say you are.", Cassius added. "In fact, if you feel you're up for it, I could have Scherazard watch over your progress---?", Cassius tried to say, only to see the Bracer Guild's door open wide. It distracted the three.
"I knew I saw a familiar face from the window. You're back, dad!", Estelle happily said, seeing Cassius in front of her. Joshua arrived beside Estelle shortly after. He shrugged his shoulders seeing how excited Estelle was. Her earlier annoyance from the mountain of books back on the second floor had completely vanished.
"Estelle said she wanted a breather, even though she barely touched the books she was given to study.", Joshua retorted.
"Hmph. And whose fault do you think that is, huh?", Estelle shot back, glancing at him.
"Haha.", Cassius laughed. "I won't deny that taking breathers is fine and all, and I'd love to talk about this more, but we've got business to attend to.", Cassius continued, only to do a motion of his hand. It was then Estelle saw both Agate and Angelica with him. Her eyes remained on Angelica for a good moment before a light bulb blinked on inside her head.
"Ah!", Estelle exclaimed, and finally remembered who Angelica was. "You were with us back during the Queen's birthday celebration. I can't remember your name, though."
"Seriously, Estelle.", Joshua said, and sighed again. "This is Miss Angelica. She's connected with you-know-who. His Royal Highness was with us back then too you know.", Joshua continued, and greeted Angelica. "It is nice to see you again. I do apologize on Estelle's behalf for her lack of common sense."
"What's that supposed to mean, Joshua?", Estelle retorted.
"Haha.", Angelica said, smiling at the two. "Regardless, it's nice to see you two, Estelle, Joshua."
"If you really are keen on becomin' a Bracer, I don't see a reason to stand on ceremony. Old Man Cassius here can show you the ropes. Don't expect an actual exam anytime soon, though. It needs a lot of preparation.", Agate said, before heading inside.
"Way too much preparation if you ask me.", Estelle complained. "And why are you with dad?"
"Oh for the love of...", Agate said, groaning while his voice retreated. "I ain't answerin' that. Just speak to your old man."
"Haha.", Cassius laughed, seeing Agate head into the Bracer Guild. "Agate means no harm. He may be a diamond in the rough, but he knows how to do his job. Perhaps one day, you two will be as accomplished as Agate is.", Cassius continued, smiling. "And perhaps, one more?"
Cassius then glanced back at Angelica, and wondered if she truly will become a Bracer.
"You think highly of me, Cassius. It isn't often you give praise like that, coming from someone of your stature.", Angelica mused. "And it's not like I can immediately become one. I'm turning fifteen soon. I hear you can't become a Bracer until you turn sixteen. So in that regard, I still have at least another one-and-a-half years or so."
"You'll be taking the exam a year before us then, I take it.", Joshua asked.
"Well, I won't turn down a newcomer. We're open to all, regardless of where you come from. It is true you can't become a Bracer until you're sixteen, but you're more than welcome to use the branch here to continue your studies.", Cassius said. "Just like how these two are."
"Ugh...", Estelle groaned. "You don't need to remind me, dad. I'd like, go anywhere that isn't that mountain of books!"
"You reap what you sow, Estelle. Those books won't move themselves.", Joshua said. "I'm done. I'm heading back inside."
"Joshua...!"
Seeing an annoyed Joshua head back into the Bracer Guild, Estelle quickly chased after him. That left Angelica with Cassius. Seeing this, he scratched his cheek.
"My children can be a handful at times, so I do apologize for that, Miss Angelica. I know what went down back inside the castle. Is His Royal Highness doing well?", Cassius decided to ask.
"It is no problem, Cassius. And yes, Naoto's now going through a journey of his own. We can't exactly go into the details until the destined time comes, but he wants to be as ready for it as much as possible. If you really want to look further into it, you can head to Erebonia in the next two to three years.", Angelica explained while not revealing too much.
"Erebonia...", Cassius uttered. "We do have some files on record. Apparently, His Royal Highness has some ties there, but it doesn't go into the specifics. I can't exactly question Her Majesty, so it is what it is. As long as the Crown Prince is safe, it is one less issue off my back.", Cassius continued. "At least, for now, it sounds like your schedule has opened up. If you truly have intentions of becoming a Bracer, I can give the rundown to Elnan. If Scherazard's up for it, you can continue your studies under her. How does that sound?"
"I'd like nothing more. I'm in no rush to become one, considering my age and all.", Angelica responded, smiling back at him.
"Then after you.", Cassius said, doing a motion of his hand.
Just like that, the Bracer Guild became a little bit more lively with both the addition of Agate Crosner, and someone who is looking to become a new Bracer.